TCU’s Fields still unlikely to face Tigers

TCU’s Fields still unlikely to face Tigers

Associated Press photo by TONY GUTIERREZ -- TCU coach Gary Patterson responds to questions from reporters Dec. 13, 2012, at the TCU indoor practice facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Patterson said Tuesday that suspended defensive end Devonte Fields will be in uniform when the 20th-ranked Horned Frogs open the season against No. 12 LSU.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Suspended TCU defensive end Devonte Fields will be in uniform when the 20th-ranked Horned Frogs open the season against No. 12 LSU.

The depth chart for Saturday night’s game released by TCU lists sophomore Fields or junior Matt Anderson starting at right defensive end.

And when Gary Patterson was asked Tuesday if Fields was still suspended, the coach initially responded, “find out at game time.”

Even with all that, though, it is still unlikely that the reigning Big 12 defensive player of the year will get into the game at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium.

TCU announced in May that Fields, who as freshman last season had 10 sacks, would be suspended for the first two games this season for an unspecified violation of “university and team policy.” That would keep him out of the LSU game and the Sept. 7 home opener against Southeastern Louisiana. He would be eligible to return for the Big 12 opener Sept. 12 at Texas Tech.

“You guys know how I stick by my guns, so take that (for) what it’s worth,” Patterson told reporters during his weekly availability.

Patterson still didn’t elaborate on the reason for Fields’ suspension, but indicated the player has done everything required of him so far.

“A three-month ordeal where he’s already been embarrassed. He’s already done everything that the university has asked him to do,” the coach said. “The key for me is it’s still about teaching lessons. ... If you were a betting man, and you know me, you’d probably know which way that you would bet.”

Anderson, returning to action after missing the last two seasons due to injury, is listed before Fields on the depth chart.

When told that the depth chart indicating the possibility of Fields starting was confusing to some people, Patterson said, “That’s what it was for.”